Red-legged kittiwake - Rissa brevirostris

Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Genus: Rissa

Description

The red-legged kittiwake is a small gull that is 13-18 inches in length. It has white undersides, chest, and head; dark-gray upperwings and back; and black tips on its wings. It has a slightly forked, white tail; a bright yellow bill; and red legs and webbed feet with three toes. The name kittiwake comes from its call. Males and females look alike.

Range

The red-legged kittiwake breeds in Alaska on the Pribilof Islands, Bogoslof Islands, and Buldir Island, and on Russia's Commander Islands. It winters on the North Pacific Ocean.

Habitat

The red-legged kittiwake is found on sea cliffs and ledges during breeding season. It winters on the open ocean.

Diet

The red-legged kittiwake eats small fish, squid, zooplankton, plankton, and fish. It feeds in flocks and catches food at the surface of the water. it also dives just below the surface of the water to catch its prey.

Life Cycle

The red-legged kittiwake nests in huge colonies that can include thousands of birds. The red-legged kittiwake male returns to the same nesting site year-after-year. Male and female pairs may mate for more than one season. The nest is cup-shaped and made of moss, seaweed, and mud. The nest is placed on the top or side of a cliff or ledge. The female lays 1-3 eggs. The male and female both incubate the eggs. The chicks hatch in about 27 days. Both parents care for and feed the chicks. The chicks fledge when the are about 40 days old.

Behavior

It is estimated that over 75% of the world's population of red-legged kittiwakes nest on St. George Island in the Pribilof Islands in Alaska. The ledges of the island are packed with tens of thousands of kittiwakes and other nesting birds during the breeding season.